Linebacker Shayne Skov probably is Stanford's most recognizable defensive player, enhanced by his Mohawk and distinctive face paint, but Reynolds counts as the leader. He's essentially the quarterback of the defense.

"I give him the keys to the car and let him drive until the wheels fall off," defensive coordinator Derek Mason said.

The wheels are firmly in place. Stanford brings one of the nation's sturdiest defenses to Michie Stadium, on the banks of the Hudson River, to face Army on Saturday. And to hear Mason and head coach David Shaw tell it, the equation begins with Reynolds.

He showed his ball-hawking skills in last week's season-opening, 34-13 victory over San Jose State. Reynolds made 12 tackles and added an interception as the Cardinal stymied quarterback David Fales and his high-powered passing attack.

Stanford will face an entirely different challenge Saturday, against an Army team bound and determined to run the ball. The Black Knights led the nation in rushing last season, and they're No. 10 this year after averaging 329 yards in their first two games.

Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press

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Stanford safety Ed Reynolds (29) tackles San Jose State wide receiver Tim Crawley (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Stanford safety Ed Reynolds (29) tackles San Jose State wide receiver Tim Crawley (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press

Reynolds guides Stanford defense with authority

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This might reduce the chances of Reynolds snagging his eighth career interception, but it hardly diminishes his role. He runs the show from his spot in the secondary, routinely dispensing guidance to his teammates.

So, yes, Reynolds earned third-team All-America honors last season based mostly on his ability to roam the field and make splashy plays. (He had six interceptions, the most by a Stanford player since 1973, and returned a school-record three for touchdowns.) But his value stretches deeper.

"There's something about communication when it's done authoritatively and by somebody you respect," Shaw said. "You make a call and the information is not just received, the intent is also received.

"Ed makes a call and you do what Ed says. He knows what he's doing, he's always right, he's telling me what to do - so I'm going to do it."

Shaw first learned about Reynolds' leadership when he ventured to his high school, Woodberry Forest in Virginia, on a recruiting visit. The school is isolated, to put it mildly, so Shaw spent an entire day there.

He found counselors who talked about Reynolds as if he were a contemporary, not a teenager. Shaw quickly realized Reynolds is an old soul, mature and polished beyond his years - the kind of player comfortable with driving the defense.

"From my freshman year, the defensive coordinators were always talking about setting the foundation," Reynolds said, referring to Vic Fangio (now with the 49ers), Jason Tarver (now with the Raiders) and Mason. "Stanford has been known for producing NFL-ready quarterbacks, tight ends and offensive linemen - but nobody really talks about our defense."

Reynolds has a personal history on this front: His dad, also named Ed, spent 10 seasons in the NFL, nine with the Patriots and one with the Giants.

Among the younger Reynolds' childhood memories is attending a high-school all-star game with his dad at West Point when he was 11 or 12. He recalled the "special aura" of the campus where he will return.

This time, Reynolds and his defensive friends have a point to make - to remind people Stanford is about more than its quarterbacks.

No. 5 Stanford (1-0) vs. Army (1-1)

Where: Michie Stadium, West Point, N.Y.

When: 9 a.m.

TV/Radio: CBSSN / 1050

Story lines: The Cardinal, making their first visit to West Point in 37 years, are prohibitive favorites to extend their winning streak to 10 games heading into next week's conference opener against Arizona State. Stanford played solidly in its season opener against San Jose State, putting pressure on quarterback David Fales (four sacks) and limiting the Spartans to one touchdown and two field goals. Army, after starting with a win over Morgan State, is coming off a 40-14 loss to Ball State.

What to watch for

-- The Black Knights led the nation in rushing last season, averaging nearly 370 yards per game, and they're at 329.0 through two games this season. Saturday's challenge: They confront one of the nation's top run defenses.

-- The Cardinal's massive offensive linemen should be able to push around their smaller Army counterparts. Stanford savors its punishing, grind-it-out style, especially with two capable running backs in Tyler Gaffney and Anthony Wilkerson.

-- Head coach David Shaw says his team's speed is underrated, and this would be a logical time to make the point. Wide receivers Ty Montgomery and Devon Cajuste bring the kind of downfield speed to stretch Army's defense, especially after the Cardinal establish the run.